Frequently Asked Questions

Finding a church that is right for you can be a difficult process. The best way to find out if a church is going to meet your needs is to simply pay it a visit and see how it feels, but walking into a church for the first time can be scary. If you’re thinking about coming along to New Light for the first time then these are the kind of questions you might ask;

Q: What happens at a Sunday Service?

A: From about 10am the doors are open and people start to arrive and gather in the sanctuary. There are greeters at the door to hand you a bulletin and provide you with a welcome pack if this is your first visit. You are free to sit wherever you feel most comfortable in the sanctuary. As a new person it is most likely that you will be greeted by a few people during this time.

The service generally follows this following format every week.

The service starts with welcome and announcements.

The congregation is led in an Opening Prayer and spoken “Call To Worship” and respond by reading the print in bold type.

We sing a praise hymn or song.

Scripture Reading – this is displayed on our tv monitor in the front.

Gospel Reading – this is displayed on our tv monitor in the front – you will be advised by the reader that it is customary, if you are comfortable doing so, to stand during this reading.

We sing a praise hymn or song.

A member or friend will present their “God Moment”, a time in the service where we talk about how God is moving in our life today.

We sing a praise hymn or song.

The message is delivered.

We sing a hymn or song in response.

The pastor or a board member will present the “Practicing Generosity” moment.

We sing a hymn or song of generosity. During this song we collect gifts and tithes of our community. If this is your first visit with us, please don’t feel obligated to give as we pass the collection plate. You are our special guest and it is our privilege that you have come to worship with us.

Offertory Prayer, which is printed in your bulletin and displayed on our tv monitor in the front.

Communion (See below).

We sing our closing song.

We close with a benediction.

After the service many gather in the kitchen area and the fellowship hall behind the sanctuary for refreshments. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are usually available with light snacks (cookies). Occasionally there will be something more substantial.

Q: What happens at Communion?

A: Like all Metropolitan Community Churches, New Light MCC offers an “Open Communion Table”. You don’t have to be a member of this community, or any to participate in this sacrament. All the children of God are welcome at this table and YOU are a child of God. In order that everyone may feel welcome we serve a non-alcoholic cup (Grape juice). We serve by “intinction” which means we break off a piece of Communion bread or take a Communion wafer, dip it in the cup and serve you. It is our custom to offer a prayer of blessing with Communion. If you would only like a prayer of blessing, let us know as you approach. If you prefer to take Communion yourself, in the quiet of your own heart, there will be a “Silent Holder” standing to the side with a cup and plate. If you are in need of special prayer there is a person stationed in the back to assist you with your prayer request. Just take a piece of bread or Communion wafer, dip it in the cup, and serve yourself. If you’d like to join us in Communion an usher will direct you. Also, Communion is optional, depending on your preference.

Q: How many people attend a Sunday service?

A: On average around 25.

Q: What ratio identify as men and women?

A: This can vary but there is generally a good mix.

Q: Is everyone Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered?

A: No. We are a Christian church with a special outreach to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Affirming community, their family and friends.

Q: What ratio of Straight to LGBT?

A: This can vary but there is generally a good mix.

Q: Is there parking available?

A: Yes, there is a parking lot next to the church.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?

A: The Sanctuary, Kitchen and Social Hall are accessible. The restrooms are unfortunately not yet fully accessible, neither are the administrative offices (upstairs). There are designated handicap parking spaces available.

Q: What time does the building open on Sundays?

A: The sanctuary is open from 10am.

Q: What time does the service start?

A: 10:30am.

Q: How long is the service?

A: The entire service is usually completed by about 11:45am.

Q: What style of music do you have?

A: We have a mix of traditional hymns and praise and worship songs.

Q: What is the dress code?

A: Casual.

Q: What other activities and ministries do you have?

A: New Light is happy to host groups that do not have space of their own. We also have a number of ministries run by members of the church.